CHICAGO — Joining forces with other hardware stores in your community to share advertising efforts was just one of the tips shared at the State of Independents Conference, held in Chicago earlier this month. It was held by the North American Retail Hardware Association.
Christine Hand, owner of Handyman Home Hardware in St. John’s, and chair of the board for Home Hardware Stores Ltd., was part of a panel of independent dealers talking about changes in the marketplace. She explained that her store, along with three other local dealers, pool their resources to develop an advertising section in the weekend newspaper and joint ads on radio.
The conference heard from other dealers, including Joe Franquinha, owner of Crest Hardware in Brooklyn, N.Y. With just 5,000 square feet to work with, he’s been able to develop a fast-growing lawn and garden business, year round, by creating a fun shopping environment and by partnering with local hotels and hospitals to create holiday landscapes.
